Determined to end poverty, create jobs

The Limpopo provincial government has committed to eradicate poverty, create jobs and reduce inequality.

“We have entered a phase in our transition that requires decisive steps to help eradicate poverty, create jobs and reduce inequality.

“This government is committed to building a developmental state that is capable of leading efforts to overcome unemployment, poverty and inequality,” Premier Stanley Mathabatha said on Thursday, while delivering his State of the Province Address.

He also committed to institutionalise long-term planning, integration and coordination in order to meaningfully drive industrialisation, manufacturing and infrastructure development programmes.

“Both government and private sector entities that are doing business in Limpopo, must procure their goods and services in this province. This will obviously assist in increasing local production and ultimately supporting the creation of sustainable and decent jobs,” he said.

Achievements

The premier said people’s lives have vastly improved and Limpopo is a much better place to live in than it was in 1994.

“Limpopo is home to all irrespective of tribe, colour and race. We have expanded access to housing and other basic services such as electricity, water and sanitation to millions of our people.

“We have improved access to quality education and healthcare services. The safety and security of our people remains high on the agenda of this democratic government. We have built an inclusive economy that has created jobs for millions of our people,” he said.

In the next five years, the provincial government’s programme of action will be anchored on:

· Development of rural communities, through agrarian and land reform;

· Expansion of the productive capacity of the economy and creation of jobs;

· Expansion on water infrastructure and sanitation in far-flung areas and rural settlements of the province and

· The fight against crime and corruption.

Premier Mathabatha said they are committed to building an economy that is people-centred, people dominated and people led.

“Unemployment, particularly of young people, as confirmed by the first Quarter Stats SA Labour Force Survey results, is another setback in our forward march to economic freedom,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za